As a freshman at Brown University, you’ll have the chance to live in one of the many dorms where you will shape your academic journey inside the campus. This article overviews Brown freshman dorms, covering their locations, amenities, and community dynamics.
Additionally, we will explore how freshman dorms encourage community building and socialization among the student residents.
The Most Popular Freshman Dorms at Brown University
What are some of the most popular residence halls for first-year students at Brown? Brown University offers many freshman dorms on the campus, each with different features.
Unless participating in an Office of International Programs-approved study away or study abroad program, degree-seeking undergraduate students at Brown University must have a housing assignment in an On-Campus Residence Hall for each semester until semester level 07 of their undergraduate education.
In the following sections, we will explore some of the most popular Brown University dorms for freshmen. We will detail some of their amenities, locations, and how they are different from other dorms.
Keeney Quad
- Address: 11 Benevolent St, Providence, RI 02912
- # of kitchen: 2
- # of lounge: 10
- # of laundry area: 3
Keeney Quad is a highly popular residence area for freshmen at Brown University, known for its central location. It is one of the biggest complexes and is considered the liveliest among Brown University dorms.
Keeney Quad consists of four residence halls:
- Archibald House: One of the Brown freshman dorms known for its spacious rooms and large common areas, making it ideal for socializing.
- Champlin House: Popular among students interested in music and the arts, featuring a music practice room and a performance space.
- Slater House: Renowned for its beautiful architecture and stunning views.
- Wriston House: Recognized for its welcoming community and spacious rooms.
Andrews Hall
- Address: 211 Bowen St, Providence, RI 02912
- # of kitchen: 1
- # of lounge: 5
- # of laundry area: 1
Andrews Hall was constructed after World War II as a dormitory for Pembroke College, a women’s college affiliated with Brown University. The college later merged with Brown in 1971.
Andrews Hall is in Colonial Revival style, and it features a hip-on-cross-gable roof and brick construction with a central three-bay limestone façade facing the courtyard. The building sits above a dining hall, integrated into the sunken landscape with a terrace above it. Recently, the entire three-building complex has just been renovated, restoring its historical charm and functionality.
Andrews Hall is located on the north side of campus, near the Brown athletic complex and the Nelson Fitness Center, one of Brown’s sports facilities. Student-athletes and fitness-oriented students often choose Andrews Hall as their home among Brown freshman dorms because of its convenient access to the university’s athletic facilities.
Andrews Hall offers single and double rooms, along with communal kitchens and laundry facilities. The hall also has five large common areas frequently used for social events and activities, fostering a strong sense of community among students.
A distinct feature of the Andrews Hall is its sustainability. The residence hall includes a rooftop garden and a composting program, which encourages residents to adopt sustainable practices during their stay.
- Address: 200 Meeting St, Providence, RI 02906
- # of kitchen: 5
- # of lounge: 1
- # of laundry area: 4
The Emery-Woolley Dormitory is located on the Pembroke Campus. It is on the east side of campus, near the Sciences Library and the Bio-Medical Center. It is a popular choice among students interested in science and technology because it is near many of the university’s research and medical facilities.
Emery-Woolley Hall is one of the Brown freshman dorms that offers single and double rooms, with laundry facilities and 5 communal kitchens. Students claim that the rooms are spacious and bright, and the dorm itself provides a comfortable living environment.
One of the hall’s distinct features is its emphasis on academic support. A group of trained student volunteers is available to assist fellow residents with their schoolwork, making Emery-Woolley Hall an excellent choice for students committed to academic success.
New Pembroke 1
- Address: 298-308 Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02906
- # of kitchen: 1
- # of lounge: 3
- # of laundry area: 0
New Pembroke 1 is located on the south side of campus, near the Pembroke Center for Teaching and Research on Women and the Brown University Bookstore. Students who major and are interested in humanities and social sciences often choose these Brown freshman dorms.
New Pembroke 1 offers single and double rooms, along with common kitchens and lounge areas. New Pembroke 1 is one of the most diverses and inclusive of all the dorms on campus. The residence hall promotes a multicultural living and learning environment with students from different cultures and parts of the world.
How Do Freshman Dorms Work at Brown?
Brown freshman dorms are among the largest and most well-appointed on campus, often surpassing the options available to sophomores.
Students can choose specific living preferences, such as substance-free, gendered, or quiet dorms. Additionally, you can indicate your sleep schedule to avoid being paired with someone with opposite habits. For those needing specific amenities, accommodations can be arranged through Student Accessibility Services.
Every first-year student resides in a “neighborhood,” a community with 40 to 60 students and a couple of peer counselors, commonly known as Community Coordinators (CCs). The latter who promotes engaging and respectful residential environments within the Brown freshman dorms. This ensures that everyone who resides in the dorms gets to live harmoniously and efficiently with one another. A neighborhood can range from two adjacent hallways to an entire building, depending on its size.
Area Coordinators oversee and provide guidance to peer counselors in multiple neighborhoods. Some first-year areas may also include upper-division students living in singles or suites.
Roommates
You will need to complete the New Student Housing Application, and you will receive an email notification when it becomes available. Roommate assignments within Brown freshman dorms are determined through a computerized process based on your responses to this questionnaire (e.g., sleep and study habits). Assignments are made without regard to race, color, creed, sexual orientation, or national origin. Also, rooms are assigned randomly.
No room changes will be allowed from the start of classes for the first two weeks. After this housing freeze, you may submit room change requests, which will be reviewed by your Area Coordinator. You will be notified of your roommates and residence hall assignment by early to mid-August.
Students with concerns about their housing, roommate(s), or residential community should first talk with their Community Coordinators. Additionally, students are encouraged to meet with their Area Coordinator (AC), professional staff members who live in the residence halls and have an office in Residential Life (Grad Center E, 4th Floor).
Accessing Your Dorm Room
Upon arrival on campus, students receive their room key during check-in. This key will open their assigned room, suite, or apartment in the Brown freshman dorms. It may also provide access to common areas such as bathrooms and bike rooms but will not open other students’ rooms.
Duplicating any University key is strictly not allowed. The security risk posed by multiple key copies is unacceptable and will result in confiscation and a fine. Additionally, a lock change will be ordered at an extra charge. Possessing any University key without express authorization is also prohibited.
Garbage Collection at Brown Freshman Dorms
Each room is equipped with a white bucket for collecting recyclable materials and a wastebasket for non-recyclable trash. Students are responsible for taking these materials to centralized locations and separating the contents of the white buckets into larger bins, such as paper and cans. For fire safety, doors to trash and recycling rooms must remain closed at all times. Brown Facilities Management personnel handle the removal of trash and recycling from the residence halls.
Recycling is mandatory in the State of Rhode Island and is a Brown University policy. Contamination, which occurs when materials are discarded in the wrong container, violates state law.
Brown Freshman Dorms: Housing Timeline for 2024
February 5
- Housing Application opens for all non-senior students. This includes applications for Brown freshman dorms (general election, Greek, Program, Theme & Special Interest Housing).
- Any non-senior student bound by the housing requirement MUST submit an application to live on campus.
- Students who submit their application by February 23rd can participate in the self-selection process or be considered for an allotment in Greek housing if applicable.
In the application, students will indicate their preference:
- General Self-Selection: Selecting a room individually or with a group not part of Greek, Program, Theme, or Special Interest Housing.
- Greek Housing: Expressing interest in Greek Organization housing and accepting a placement if selected. If not accepted, they will receive a timeslot for general self-selection.
- Theme or Special Interest Communities: Indicating interest in:
- Same Sex
- Substance Free
- Quiet Housing
- Wellness
- Sustainability
- Interfaith
- Civic Engagement
Placement or room selection within these communities will follow the group’s procedure.
February 23
- Housing Application especially for Brown freshman dorms closes for everyone (general selection, Greek, Program, Theme & Special Interest Housing).
- All students bound by the residency requirement must submit a housing application, even those intending to apply for the Junior Off-Campus Lottery.
- This is also the deadline to indicate interest in Greek Organization’s Housing Allotment and to live in Program, Theme, or Special Interest Community.
What is the advantage of living in dorms, especially for Ivy League students?
Living in dorms offers many benefits for Ivy League students. Dorms give you easy access to campus resources like libraries, academic buildings, and study centers which supports all of your academic needs as an Ivy League student. The close-knit dorm community, like the one Brown freshman dorms provide, also helps you form study groups and collaborate, while social events and activities help build friendships and a sense of belonging.
Ivy League dorms house students from different backgrounds. They are always encourage to engage in cross-cultural interactions in the hopes of broadening ones perspective. On-campus amenities like dining halls, laundry facilities, and fitness centers, along with strong security measures, ensure a safe and comfortable living space. Dorm life also helps you grow independently by teaching life skills and navigating social dynamics.
Being close to campus activities and traditions enhances your college experience, making it easier to join extracurriculars and build a deeper connection to your university.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Brown University offer housing?
Yes, Brown University offers housing for its students. The university provides various on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartment-style living. Housing is available for undergraduates, and Brown guarantees housing for all four years of their undergraduate experience.
In fact, degree-seeking undergraduate students at Brown University must have a housing assignment in an On-Campus Residence Hall for each semester until semester level 07 of their undergraduate education. This includes that many options for Brown freshman dorms.
The university also offers limited graduate student housing. Additionally, Brown has themed and program houses perfect for upcoming students with different interests.
2. How much does it cost to live at Brown University?
The cost of living at Brown University for the 2023-2024 academic year depends on the type of housing and meal plan chosen.
Housing Costs:
- Standard Residence Hall (Double Room): $9,742 per academic year
- Single Room: $11,108 per academic year
- Suite/Apartment-Style Housing: $11,506 per academic year
Meal Plan Costs:
- Flex 460 (Most Popular Plan): $6,846 per academic year
- Flex 330: $6,676 per academic year
- Flex 20: $6,402 per academic year
Total Estimated Costs:
- Double Room + Flex 460 Meal Plan: $16,588 per academic year
- Single Room + Flex 460 Meal Plan: $17,954 per academic year
- Suite/Apartment + Flex 460 Meal Plan: $18,352 per academic year
These costs are for the full academic year (two semesters) and includes Brown freshman dorms. It’s important to note that additional costs such as textbooks, personal expenses, and other fees are not included in these figures.
3. Do Brown students have to live on campus?
Yes, Brown University requires most undergraduate students to live on campus for their first three years. First-year, sophomore, and junior students are typically required to reside in on-campus housing unless they receive special permission to live off-campus.
However, seniors have the option to live off-campus if they choose. Some exceptions may be made for students with specific needs or circumstances that warrant living off-campus earlier in their undergraduate experience.
4. What percent of Brown University live on campus?
Approximately 74% of undergraduate students live on campus. This includes first-year students, sophomores, juniors, and some seniors. The remaining students, primarily seniors, choose to live off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods of Providence. The university’s residential requirement for the first three years contributes to the high percentage of students living on campus especially on Brown freshman dorms.
5. Can you live off-campus at Brown University?
Yes, you can live off-campus at Brown University, but this option is primarily available to senior students. Brown requires most undergraduates to live on campus for their first three years. Seniors are given the option to live off-campus if they choose. Additionally, some exceptions may be made for other students based on specific circumstances, such as medical needs or other personal reasons, but these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Author
